What is miranda rights?
Miranda rights are a set of rights that law enforcement must inform a person of before they are subjected to interrogation while in custody. The rights are named after the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), in which the Court held that the Fifth Amendment protects individuals from self-incrimination, and that they must be made aware of their rights to ensure that any statements made during interrogation are made voluntarily.
Typically, the warning includes that the individual has:
1. The right to remain silent.
2. The right to an attorney, and if they cannot afford one, an attorney will be provided.
If a person is not informed of these rights prior to questioning, any statements or confessions may be inadmissible in court. The purpose of Miranda rights is to protect the constitutional rights of individuals in police custody, ensuring they are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about whether to speak to law enforcement.